The DUI driver in 24% of all fatal DUI involed crashes has at least one prior conviction, as do 27% of drivers arrested for DUI. Seventy-five percent of drivers convicted of DUI continue to drive despite having a suspended or revoked driver's license.

The Covina Police Department has teamed with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and 35 other California law enforcement agencies in an effort to keep suspended drivers with two or more prior Driving while Under the Influence (DUI) convictions off of our roadways.

Twice a month the DMV Hot List Program sends a secured data list to Covina PD, of the Covina area drivers that have at least two, or more prior convictions for DUI and whose driver's license is suspended for those convictions. Covina PD personnel review and verify the data to ensure that it meets the DMV program guidelines.

Once the data has been verified, the Covina Police Department will send a notification letter to those drivers reminding them of their driver's license suspension and our future enforcement efforts that will be underway through compliance checks, directed patrols and stakeout/sting operations.

Covina Police Chief Kim Raney said, "These are the most dangerous drivers on the road, and the intent of the program is to keep unlicensed and restricted drivers off of the road until their driving privileges have been reinstated. Hopefully many of them will hear of this program and opt not to drive. Our officers will be out there trying to catch those who circumvent the law."

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Please contact Sergeant Tom Tardif at 626-384-5667 for any questions, or via mail at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Neighborhood Watch Report Newsletter

The Crime Prevention Unit of the Covina Police Department has developed a monthly newsletter. The newsletter is intended to update readers on relevant local law enforcement issues, as well as offer crime prevention tips.

May 15, 2013, the Covina Police Department was joined by local government officials, representatives from other police agencies, and private citizens for the dedication of the Covina Police Officer Memorial. The ceremony took place at the Covina Police Department, and featured the many traditions associated with honoring fallen peace officers. The Covina Police Memorial was made possible by generous donations from private citizens, businesses, other law enforcement agencies, and retired police officers.

The Covina Police Officer Memorial is directly in front of the Covina Police Department's front lobby doors. It's foundation and bronze plates convey the strength, courage and valor that are the hallmarks of those who serve in law enforcement. An inscription on the Memorial Wall explains the uplifting spirit that will be felt by every visitor. It also mirrors the inscription found on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: "In valor, there is hope."

The on-duty traffic collision that took Covina Police Sergeant Scott Hanson's life occurred August 14, 2003. Chief Kim Raney said, "Sadly and appropriately, we were able to enshrine Sergeant Hanson's name in front of the Police Department where he served for 20 years. As long as this building is standing, the Memorial will hold a place of honor and prominence, a reminder to both the public and all of us the true cost of public safety". The Covina Police Department thanks the many contributors who saw this Memorial project through to its completion. All members of the Covina Police Department are proud for what this memorial represents and we hope the public shares the same sentiment. The Memorial serves as a place for all to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made by law enforcement professionals across the United States.

Vision and Ground Breaking

When fundraising for the Covina Police Memorial began during National Police Week in May 2012, the effort immediately gained positive support from the community. Generous donations were received from private citizens, businesses, other law enforcement agencies, retired police officers, and many others. Approximately $50,000 in cash contributions were made along with many in-kind donation. Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries offered a cash donation, as well as the bronze and three-demensional artwork associated with the Memorial project. Additionally, the Covina Chamber of Commerce and Covina Police Department cosponsored a golf tournament at the South Hills Country Club. This golf tournament was a unique opportunity because the proceeds assisted both the Chamber as well as this memorial project. The golf tournament was a tremendous success and allowed the Covina Police Department to move into the construction phase of the project.

The Memorial Project Committee partnered with a Pasadena architect, Douglas Ewing, whose vision for the memorial fit the needs of the Covina Police Department [Artist Rendering Above]. Ground breaking for the Memorial took place on Monday February 11, 2013. The ground breaking ceremony included City Council members, police department command staff and Memorial project committee members as well as the Hanson family.

The Covina Police Department served search warrants at a business on the 800 block of N. Cummings on Tuesday December 10, 2013, which resulted in the arrest of Joseph Gosnell Jr. of Covina on suspicion of cultivating marijuana and sales of marijuana. Investigators seized 80 marijuana plants growing inside the business, and found timers, equipment and lighting used to facilitate the indoor grow. Gosnell was booked at Covina jail and held on $30,000 bail. He is scheduled for a Thursday arraignment at West Covina Superior Court.